Pat Knowles, President, USAF Combat Camera Reunion Group
Pat was born in Buffalo, New York and joined the Air Force in 1968. His first assignment was as aerial cameraman to 1365th photo Sq. Norton AFB in 1969. Lots of exciting TDY’s to Nellis with the F111 weapons testing, the Thunderbirds and nuclear tests at Mercury NV.
In 1970, he was off to Ubon, Thailand as an A/C 130 Spectre Gunship Cameraman. In 1971 he was re-assigned to 1369th Photo Squadron at Vandenberg, CA to cover Minute Man and Titan Missile build up and Launches.
From there he was assigned to Norton AFB, CA Production Unit where he was 1st camera operator for many AF Now segments as and starred in AFN Segment 101 “The enlisted flyer”. After his tour at Norton he was assigned to Hickam, HI in 1978 as an aerial cameraman assigned to the Satellite Recovery Program and eventually, NCOIC of the Doc Unit.
From 1984 until retirement in 1989, Pat was assigned to Wright Patterson as NCOIC of the Technical Photographic Division Video Production Unit.
He says there are way too many great jobs, flights and locations to even try and pick the most fantastic experience.
Now retired, SMSgt Patrick Knowles always considered he had the BEST job in the Air Force.
I had the pleasure of serving with Pat Knowles during my enlistment at Norton AFB between 1976-78. I was discharged December ’78. Truly a bunch of “Good Fellows” to work and travel with during that time period. Had many memorable experiences with the AAVS gang. Often wonder what became of many of them. If the opportunity presents itself please say hello to Pat.
Thank you,
Duane B. Goss